into several languages. In addition, he also wrote two novels and five books of literary criticism, as well as several histories and translations. His scholarly works include Sahityarth, a theory of literature, and the pioneering work, Punjabi boli da itihas (History of the Punjabi language). In 1972, he won the Sahitya Akademi Award for Mittarpiara. He was also awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1987. He was a Professor of Eminence at the Punjabi University in Patiala; after his death, a chair was set up at the university in his name. Works One-act plays: Chhe Ghar (Six Homes, 1941): one-act plays - popular in Punjabi theatre. Tapia Kyon Khapia (Why the Ascetic Got Confused, 1950), Natsunehe (Dramatic Messages, 1954) Sundrepad (Beautiful Feet, 1956) Wiaholi (Bride) : verse play Baba bohar (Old Oak) : verse play Full-length plays: Kalakar (Artist, 1945) Nal-Damayanti (Nala and Damayanti myth, 1960) Narki (Denizens of Hell, 1953) [originally written as _Eve at Bay_ in English] Historical plays (theme of Sikh history): Moian Sar Na Kai (The Dead Knew It Not, 1954) Bera Bandh Na Sakio (Fleet They Could Not Harness, 1954) Waris (Inheritors, 1955) Banda Bahadur (1985) Vada Ghalughara (Holocaust 1986) Mittarpiara (Beloved Friend, 1971) Novels Lahu Mitti (Blood and Earth). References Indian male dramatists and playwrights Punjabi-language writers 1997 deaths 20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights Recipients of the Sahitya Akademi Award in Punjabi Recipients of the Padma Shri in literature & education 1908 births Indian male short story writers 20th-century Indian short story writers Dramatists and playwrights from Punjab, India 20th-century Indian male writers